I don't see how Portland's history of ECs has anything to do with their likelihood of using one in the future. What were the deals that they passed on? The rumors were that for the better players teams wanted Batum attached to RLEC... I'm glad they passed on that opportunity. Even though I like Gerald Wallace a lot, I'd feel sick right now if Batum was blowing up in Charlotte.
What are the deals that they will be offered? The economy has changed since then and attendance/revenues have dropped so ECs that save club's $ are probably more valuable. If that translates into better deals that make sense from Portland's point of view, I'd expect them to pounce like they did with Camby. If not I'd expect them to stand pat. Portland can't make other teams offer them what they want.
STOMP